Choosing your perfect tour type.We offer just about every type of adventure imaginable. Explore with other likeminded travellers on our organised group tours, alternatively try a private departure or talk to our tailormade team if you want more flexibility.

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Welcome to Explore - The Adventure Travel Experts.Explore has been running small group responsible adventures for nearly 35 years so you can be confident that you are in safe hands. Browse to find out more about Explore, our staff, tour leaders and values.

The information below is intended to assist you as you consider your travel options with Explore. In addition to the detailed itinerary each tour has been supported with some useful information to provide you with an overview of your accommodation & meals, all things money, passports, visas, vaccinations, insurance, clothing, personal equipment and much more to help you with your travel preparations.

Tour du Mont Blanc

Tour notes

Each departure date has it's own dedicated tour note, detailing all you need to know about that tour. Whether you've already booked, or weighing up your options, please choose carefully the relevant itinerary for you.

We have the following different versions of the Tour Du Mont Blanc tour available at present.

Booking a Single Room

All of our group tours are planned and operated on a twin-share basis, meaning that the standard cost is based either on individual travellers sharing accommodation with another group member of the same sex, or people who book together sharing accommodation.

Please refer to the tour notes where the single room option availability is detailed on a night by night basis for this tour, and the price for the available nights is detailed on the dates & prices tab by departure date.

For Self-Guided trips the Single Room supplement offers the option of a single room each and is charged per person. The Single Room supplement also applies to the third person in a party of three that will be accommodated in a single room.

Accommodation Notes

We stay at small, family-run hotels for nine nights and in a traditional auberge (guesthouse) for one night. The hotels in Les Houches and Les Contamines have swimming pools. In the hotels you will usually be accommodated in twin rooms with private bathrooms, though occasionally you may have the use of a shared bathroom along the corridor. Very occasionally during exceptionally busy periods there may be more than two people to a room (triple or quad). At Les Chapieux we stay at an auberge: this is a traditional mountain inn that is clean, friendly, full of fellow trekkers and has a great atmosphere. At the auberge we aim to have twins, triples or quads, but you may be in a dormitory if it is a busy part of the season. The bathrooms are shared. All bedding is provided.

Most meals are included at the hotels and auberge and will be a fixed three or four-course meal with vegetarian options. Drinks are not included, but all hotels have a selection of wines, beers and soft drinks.

You will need some extra money to cover meals and drinks not included in the tour price, any optional sightseeing, souvenirs and
items of a personal nature such as laundry.

Food

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide.Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.

France

Lunch £:
11.00

Dinner £:
23.00

Switzerland

Lunch £:
16.00

Dinner £:
23.00

Italy

Lunch £:
8 - 10

Dinner £:
15.00 - 20.00

Drink

The prices for drinks can vary greatly depending upon location and the prices detailed below are an average guide. In general you would expect that drinks purchased in a supermarket or local bar to be less expensive, whilst drinks in an upmarket bar or restaurant may be more expensive.

France

Bottle of Beer £:
4.00

Water £:
1.30

Switzerland

Bottle of Beer £:
5.20

Water £:
1.50

Italy

Bottle of Beer £:
2.00

Water £:
1.00

Tipping - Tour Leader

At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.

Tipping - Local Crew

Service is included in French restaurants, although it is polite to tip 10% if the service has been very good. Bar staff and café waiters expect a small tip or loose change.
In Italy service is not included – allow 10% - and they also have a cover charge, or coperto, of 1 or 2 euros which is obligatory and literally pays for you to sit down.

Foreign Exchange

France

ATM Availability:
In cities and most major towns

Credit Card Acceptance:
In major restaurants (make sure you have informed your credit card company that you are travelling abroad as some companies will reject payments)

Travellers Cheques:
Travellers Cheques are no longer commonly accepted and can only be changed in larger airports with a Bureau de Change.

Local Currency:
Euro

Recommended Currency for Exchange:
Pounds Sterling and US Dollars can only be changed in larger airports with a Bureau de Change. Please change currency into Euros prior to arriving in France.

Where to Exchange:
Bureau de Change can only be found in major cities and large airports. Many French banks no longer exchange Foreign currency.

Switzerland

ATM Availability:
Local currency can be obtained using credit cards in ATM’s.

Credit Card Acceptance:
In major restaurants.

Travellers Cheques:
Not recommended.

Local Currency:
Swiss Franc.

Recommended Currency for Exchange:
Euros. You can either take some cash Swiss Francs to avoid having to change or most places will accept Euros as payment.

Where to Exchange:
Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival

Italy

ATM Availability:
Major towns.

Credit Card Acceptance:
Larger hotels and restaurants.

Travellers Cheques:
Only in major towns. Please note, the exchange rate for cash and Travellers Cheques is poor.

Local Currency:
Euro.

Recommended Currency for Exchange:
GBP.

Where to Exchange:
We recommend that you change any currency into Euros prior to arrival. Bureau de Change are generally only found in major cities and large airports.

Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found on our website at www.explore.co.uk, in the tour specific dates and prices section.

Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will now receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The transfers will be from the Explore designated airport or train station to the joining point of your tour, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.

Free transfers are not available for Self-Guided, Tailormade or Tours for Churches customers.

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display a UK flight inclusive package guide price which is generally based on a London departure. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling in England and Scotland. We also strongly recommend your policy includes curtailment, personal effects and cancellation protection as all deposits paid are non-refundable. You will also need to ensure your travel policy covers you for all activities you intend to do whilst on tour.

We are delighted to include FREE travel insurance for all qualifying customers who book an Explore trip from 01 January 2015.

For more information about Travel insurance and to check whether you are eligible to receive free cover, please visit www.explore.co.uk/insurance. Explore Worldwide Ltd are an Appointed Representative of Campbell Irvine Limited. who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The registration number can be checked by visiting the the FCA's website www.fca.gov.uk or by contacting them on 0800 111 6768.

Visa Information

France: Visas are not required by UK, EU nationals, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.

Italy: Visas are not required by UK, EU nationals, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.

Switzerland: Visas are not required by UK, EU nationals, Australian, New Zealand, US and Canadian citizens.
Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.

All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related questions with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.

Vaccinations & Protection

France

Nothing compulsory. Tetanus recommended.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health
advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.

Switzerland

Nothing compulsory; Tetanus recommended.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.

Italy

Nothing required. Tetanus recommended.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.

Additional Information for your trekking Tour

Climate

France

Across France, from April - August, weather conditions are generally warm and pleasant with moderate rainfall; Autumn temperatures are a bit lower and the winter months (though colder) remain mild. The summer months on the Mediterranean Coast in the south tend to be warmer than the rest of France and have less rainfall, and also more mild winters; freezing conditions are nearly unheard of.
The mountainous areas of the Alps, Juros and Pyrenees can be quite different. During summer the morning and evening temperatures are considerably cooler and it becomes much colder in winter with heavy snowfall.
Western France, along the English Channel, there can be very strong winds and frequent rain during the winter months Nov - Apr.
Wine harvesting takes place in late August/early September.

Switzerland

Summers are generally warm, or even hot, with a three-month period when rain rarely falls. When it does rain in this season, it is heavy and often accompanied by thunder. There are as much as eleven to twelve hours’ sunshine a day in summer, but as with anywhere in mainland Europe it can occasionally be cold and wet. Early and late summer is generally the best times to visit this region.

Italy

April/May and October/November are pleasantly warm. June/September are the hottest months. Showers are common in Autumn.

Maximum Altitude on Trek (m)

2537

Trekking Details

This is an 8-day Trek with an average of 5 to 7 hours of walking a day. We will climb and descend distances of 1000 m on 5 of these days, reaching a maximum altitude of 2537 m. We have graded this trek as challenging.

Equipment

You will need a water bottle (preferably 2 litres), torch, insect repellent and high factor sun cream. You may like to bring trekking poles. It is a good idea to line your daysac with a good quality plastic bag. This will go a long way in protecting your gear from any rainstorms we encounter.
Tap water is safe to drink from the hotels and auberges, but water sources along the trail may not always be drinkable. We recommend you bring a 2 litre personal water bottle. Using tap water rather than bottled water will help avoid creating plastic bottle waste. Energy snacks including chocolate and sweets are recommended whilst on trek. Towels are not provided at Les Chapieux though you
can hire one for €1: we suggest that you bring an easi-dry towel as they are lightweight and easy to carry. You may also wish to bring a sleeping bag liner for the stay at the auberge.

Footwear

You will need walking boots with proper ankle support and good tread. Trekking shoes are not good enough for the walks as they do not give ankle support. In addition, you should avoid cheap boots found in high-street shops that are merely trainers with a higher canvas side sewn on. Make sure that your boots are worn-in and comfortable before the start of the trip. We recommend that you wear/carry your walking boots as hand luggage on the international flight: should your luggage be delayed, your well broken-in boots will be irreplaceable. Bring comfortable shoes/sandals for relaxing in the evenings.

Clothing

The following are essential for your tour: Good quality waterproof jacket and trousers (e.g. Gore-Tex / e-Vent), a pac-a-mac is not good enough, fleece jacket, comfortable walking trousers, shorts, warm hat and gloves, sunhat, sunglasses and high factor sun cream. Please be aware that temperatures can change dramatically at altitude and at night. There are swimming pools at the hotels in Les Houches and Les Contamines and a good public swimming pool in Chamonix. French health regulations require men to wear proper swimming trunks, not loose Bermuda / boxer-style trunks. For around-town wear in Chamonix, you may wish to bring some slightly smarter clothes.

Luggage: On Tour

One main piece of baggage and a waterproof daypack. A capacity of 40 litres is recommended as you will need to carry enough overnight clothes (spare underwear, T shirt and toiletries etc) for the nights when you will not have access to your main luggage (days 4,5,8,9). There are showers at every night stop.

Luggage

Electric Supply & Plugs

France

Switzerland

Italy

We’ve been creating award-winning pioneering adventure holidays for over 30 years, earning the trust of thousands of delighted customers, who feel safe in our hands. Our tour leaders have expert local knowledge and our tours are designed to take you off the beaten track to see the most exotic, inspiring and dramatic places in the world.

Responsible travel is and always has been one the driving principles of Explore.

Our adventure holidays are full of exciting things to see and do, exploring in small groups travelling by bus, boat, plane, rickshaw, camel, elephant, or any number of unusual forms of transport . Often you will stay in family run hotels and village houses and enjoy authentic local cuisine. In this way, it’s easy to discover the true heart of the people and the place you travel to – and make some new friends along the way. Each tour is uniquely different, so please feel free to browse through our tours to see what may whet your appetite.

Our commitment to the environment

We are passionate about sustainable travel and work hard to create tours where your holiday delivers real benefits to the local communities. We minimise our impact by travelling in small groups, respecting local cultures and traditional, reducing waste and offsetting 100% of the CO2 from our flights.

When you travel with Explore, you are directly contributing to local economies and helping empower the people you meet. We currently support a range of charities and good causes, including: Toilet Twinning (helping to flush away poverty), Lone Buffalo Foundation (a community project based in Laos providing creative skills for young people), Dekamer ( a turtle rescue centre in Turkey) and Kids Saving the Rainforest (a wildlife rescue centre in Costa Rica supported through the LATA foundation). We also care passionately about the world’s wildlife. We are patrons of the Born Free Organisation and Friends of Conservation.

Cool Earth

Explore are proud to support Cool Earth in their effort to reduce global carbon dioxide levels through the prevention of deforestation in the South America rainforest. Cool Earth focus on areas in immediate danger of deforestation, supporting local communities to be forest guardians. To date 350,000 acres of rainforest has been protected. Saving rainforest also protects rare animals and plants, allows local forest communities to maintain their way of life, and protects a major source of oxygen and fresh water. When you travel on an Explore holiday we make a donation to Cool Earth that exceeds the impact of our customers flights each year.

Earth Matters

The Travel FoundationExplore are active members and supporters of the Travel Foundation which has established a variety of sustainable tourism projects in destinations and works with industry to improve practice. Visit their website www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk

Tourism ConcernExplore support the work of Tourism Concern who campaign for fairly and ethically traded tourism, and are part of its Ethical Tour Operator Group www.tourismconcern.org.uk

Peace of mind - book with confidence

You can book your Explore holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected. Explore is a fully bonded tour operator licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and by ABTOT.

The air holiday packages (Tours including flights) that we advertise are ATOL protected, since we hold an Air Travel Organiser's LicenceÂ granted by the Civil Aviation Authority.Â Our ATOL number is ATOL 2595. In addition, As a member of the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), Explore has provided a bond to meet the requirements of the Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tours Regulations 1992. Please note that packages booked outside the UK are only protected when purchased directly with Explore.

Reserving your place

To reserve your place on this tour you will need to check availability on the Explore website or through our dedicated call centre based in the UK where you can. Our tours can fill up quickly so you are advised to book as early as possible. If your chosen date is ‘Available’ or ‘Guaranteed’ we will be able to provisionally hold you a space for up to 48 hours.

For Self-Guided holidays and Private Journeys simply choose your date of travel and let us know so we can confirm all ground services.

The easiest way to confirm your booking is through our website. When you are ready to book, we normally require a 10% non-refundable deposit, but for some holidays this may be more to cover such items as permit fees, internal flights or other non-refundable services. If your travel starts within 60 days of booking, full payment will be required at the time of booking

100% No Surcharge Guarantee

The price paid for our holidays is no longer subject to change. Once booked and confirmed we will guarantee the price you pay will not increase, whatever the circumstances. You will not be approached to pay fuel surcharges unlike the vast majority of other adventure tour operators. The price guarantee applies to all new bookings departing between 1st January 2014 and 31st December 2015.